Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Clinton, Iowa

Situated in a picturesque location just downstream from the widest expanse of the Mississippi River, Clinton is a city historically reliant on this grand waterway.

In the latter part of the 19th century, the town earned the title of the “Lumber Capital of the World.” It was here that sawmills operated to process the immense quantities of timber transported down the Mississippi from the forests of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Though the era of lumber production concluded swiftly, a museum now commemorates this important industry, and visitors can also explore the splendidly preserved residence of a 19th-century lumber magnate.

It is fitting that the riverbank becomes the focal point in Clinton, where visitors can leisurely stroll or cycle along the Mississippi, attend a Clinton LumberKings baseball game, or indulge in live entertainment aboard a repurposed riverboat.

1. Eagle Point Park

Elevated on the bluffs in northern Clinton, Eagle Point Park serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the city.

As part of enhancements initiated by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, a lodge designed to resemble a castle was established at the scenic overlook at Eagle Point.

For nearly 90 years, this charming monument has provided a backdrop for a diverse range of community and private events. From this vantage point, one can appreciate the broadest section of the Mississippi River, measuring 1.8 miles across.

The park also boasts numerous amenities, including a stone footbridge from the 1930s, extensive trails, shelter areas, restrooms, and play equipment.

From Thanksgiving through December, the park transforms into a festive atmosphere with the Symphony of Lights, featuring 40 captivating displays and over half a million supportive lights.

2. Sawmill Museum

For an insight into the working life in Clinton during the 19th century, the Sawmill Museum offers a dedicated exploration of that fleeting lumber industry.

The museum features an array of informative exhibits, providing varied perspectives on the industry.

Visitors can trace the long journey of timber harvested from the Wisconsin forests and discover what made Clinton a significant hub for lumber activities.

Among the preserved artifacts are equipment from the Struve Mill, a vintage single-blade sawmill, a floating log raft simulator, and animatronic lumber barons sharing their narratives.

3. Riverview Park

True to its name, this 65-acre park occupies a stunning location right on the Mississippi River. Riverview Park hosts significant local attractions, including NelsonCorp Field, home of the Clinton LumberKings, and the Clinton Showboat, known for its popular summer theatre.

The park also includes a marina and restaurant, public boat ramps, and an RV park available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recreational facilities include an eight-lane outdoor pool, a riverside bike path, a playground, ball diamonds, sand volleyball courts, a skate park, and pickleball courts.

Additionally, the Riverview Bandshell, located on the northern side of the pool, hosts events such as Juneteenth celebrations, Clinton’s 4th of July Festival, and performances by the Clinton Symphony Orchestra.

4. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

A captivating venue for live entertainment is this historic riverboat, which is currently docked at Riverview Park in Clinton.

The Showboat is home to the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (CAST), recognized as the leading summer theatre company in the Upper Mississippi River Valley.

Throughout the season, more than 10,000 visitors attend to enjoy comedies and musicals presented with considerable artistry.

At the time of this writing, the upcoming performances included Sister Act, Calendar Girls, State Fair, and The Wedding Singer.

The vessel itself, originally named The Omar, was launched by the Ohio River Company in 1935 and features an impressive paddlewheel spanning 32 feet in diameter.

5. Clinton Discovery Trail

Almost all of Clinton’s prominent attractions are interconnected via this 4.8-mile multi-use trail, which runs alongside the Mississippi River from Eagle Point Park in the north to the Gateway Suspension Bridge in the south.

As you travel along the levee, you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views of this expansive stretch of the Mississippi and can observe barges transit the river.

While the Discovery Trail primarily follows the city’s waterfront, it also traverses lush green areas, such as Joyce Island, located just north of Riverview Park.

The trail is dedicated to three astronauts hailing from Clinton County: Dale Gardner (1948-2014), George Nelson (b. 1950), and David Hilmers (b. 1950).

6. Wild Rose Casino & Resort

Reflecting the early days of riverboat gaming in Clinton, Wild Rose represents a casino brand with three establishments located throughout Iowa.

The current establishment is situated on dry land in the southwestern region of the city. In addition to a 60-room hotel and sports bar and grill, Wild Rose Casino & Resort features over 500 slot machines, 14 table games, and a Draftkings sportsbook.

For information about upcoming concerts, visit their website, as several notable recording artists have performed here in recent years.

7. Clinton LumberKings

Located within Riverview Park, the historic NelsonCorp Field serves as the home of the Clinton LumberKings. Constructed in 1937, the stadium has a seating capacity of 5,500 spectators, featuring a canopied grandstand that offers close views of the plate and a traditional wooden outfield wall.

This venue is among the finest in the Midwest for relishing America’s favorite pastime.

Under different appellations, the LumberKings’ history dates back to 1895, and they currently compete in the Prospect League, a collegiate summer league, after decades spent in Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League.

The list of alumni is remarkably impressive, including notable players such as Ian Kinsler, Mike Scioscia, Steve Sax, Orel Hershiser, and Matt Williams.

8. Bickelhaupt Arboretum

Comprising 2,000 distinct plant varieties, this 14-acre arboretum is owned by Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and welcomes visitors free of charge throughout the year.

Bickelhaupt Arboretum, founded by Bob and Frances Bickelhaupt on their property, opened to the public in 1970.

After the mature elms lining Clinton’s streets succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease, the Bickelhaupts planted these gardens and tree collections.

The arboretum features important collections grouped by genus, including beech, hickory, ash, birch, maple, magnolia, oak, and linden.

Among the numerous enchanting gardens to explore are dwarf and rare conifers, a butterfly garden, rock gardens, a hosta glen, a peony collection, an herb garden, and a daffodil collection.

The detailed map of the arboretum, indicating the location of each plant, is available on its official website.

9. George M. Curtis Mansion

The lumber industry’s legacy is evident in this mansion, constructed for lumber industrialist and congressman George M. Curtis (1844-1921).

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this exquisite Queen Anne-style mansion was completed in 1883.

Notably, Curtis designed the main floor as a woodworking showcase for Curtis Bros. & Co, which produced doors, blinds, sashes, and a range of other interior fittings.

The mansion is managed by the Clinton Women’s Club, which provides guided tours that highlight the splendid fireplaces, intricately carved banisters, delicate wood trim, and over 40 stained glass windows.

10. Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center

Famed for performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Felix Adler (1895-1960), known as the “King of Clowns,” was born in Clinton and went on to perform for several U.S. Presidents.

In his honor, this children’s museum was established in downtown Clinton in 1993 to promote entertainment and education.

The museum features engaging, hands-on exhibits that encourage children to explore outer space, treat patients at a hospital, shop for groceries, engineer a train, and even conduct a classroom.

The KAPLA Block Corner boasts over 10,000 KAPLA blocks, the most extensive collection in any children’s attraction across Iowa.

11. Rock Creek Marina & Campground

Situated just down the Mississippi on the Iowa bank, this campground and marina can be found at the confluence of the Wapsipinicon River.

Despite its designation, it is also an ideal spot for day-oriented visits. The marina hosts Blue Heron Eco-Cruises.

This organization conducts naturalist-led pontoon cruises along the historic river, providing insights into the region’s diverse wildlife, while sunset cruises offer a delightful way to enjoy summer evenings.

The Mississippi River Eco Tourism Center located here focuses on educating visitors about the river’s rich habitats and natural history.

12. Wide River Winery

Located just a few minutes upriver from Clinton, this winery is owned by an attorney and retired judge and lies amid rows of vines cultivating cool-climate hybrid grape varieties that flourish in Iowa’s challenging climate.

Covering ten acres on the banks of the Mississippi, Wide River Winery grows white varietals like Brianna and Frontenac Blanc, as well as red grapes such as Petite Pearl and St. Croix.

The winery produces wines with intriguing names such as Jury Duty, Not Guilty, Conviction, Caught Red Handed, Ms. D’Meanor, and Blushing Testimony.

Visitors are welcome to relax on the deck while enjoying the view of passing barges on the Mississippi, accompanied by a cheese and sausage board.

13. Fulton “de Immigrant” Windmill

Sitting on the levee, or perhaps “dike,” across the river in Fulton, IL, is an unexpected sight along the banks of the Mississippi.

This genuine, fully operational Dutch windmill stands nearly 100 feet tall and was dedicated during the Dutch Days Festival in 2000.

The structure was designed in the Netherlands, with all components shipped to the United States for assembly at its current location.

Dutch millwrights and masons visited the U.S. on three separate occasions to finalize the windmill. Open for free visits, guests can observe the mill grinding buckwheat, rye, corn, and wheat flours, which are available for purchase at the Windmill Cultural Center across the street.

14. Heritage Canyon

Also worth visiting across the river in Fulton is a 12-acre park situated in a former limestone quarry, where a recreated village from the late 1800s has been established.

These historical buildings are nestled within the nature that has reclaimed the quarry site since its closure in 1954.

In the late 1960s, the quarry was acquired by Harold and Thelma Wierenga, who transformed it into a testament to Midwestern history.

The City of Fulton assumed control in 2005, and visitors now can enjoy a self-guided tour along nature trails, encountering a church, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, doctor’s and dentist’s offices, among other historical structures.

If you plan your visit during the annual Fall Festival in early October, costumed reenactors will demonstrate 19th-century skills.

15. Tom and Audrey’s Antique & Collectible Mall

With over ten antique businesses, Clinton is a paradise for treasure seekers, and one of the largest malls can be found in a spacious historic building located downtown.

The mall features an extensive selection of items across two stories, encompassing a total sales area of 18,000 square feet.

A particularly notable section showcases glassware and dinnerware, claimed to be the most extensive in the area.

Visitors will also discover an array of books, furniture, records, fine china, lamps, tools, collectibles, sports equipment, vintage home appliances, signage, paintings, and much more.